Apparatus, Assembly Kit, And Methods For Training Overhead Throwing Motions And Balance

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, kit and method for guiding overhead throwing motions. The apparatus may comprise a base member for supporting a rising member, which may be connected to an elongated member. The rising member may pivot in relation to the elongated member. A mechanical fastener may lock the pivoting motion. The elongated member may guide a path for the foot of the user. The user standing on a throwing surface may: lift his or her leading foot to a contact point on the guiding surface of the apparatus; direct the leading foot downward along the guiding surface; and, lift the leading foot from the guiding surface to a landing spot on the throwing surface. When unassembled, the component parts of the apparatus may be fit into a standard sized baseball batting bag.

This non-provisional patent application claims priority to, andincorporates herein by reference, U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/047,139 filed on Sep. 8, 2014. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patentdisclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office files orrecords, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The presently disclosed invention relates in general to the field ofguiding physical motions of an individual to develop balance and musclememory, and in particular to an apparatus, kit and method for trainingthe mechanics of overhead throwing and for improving throwing motionsand balancing abilities that are important in the process of throwing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Methods for improving overhead throwing motions are known in the art.Basic throwing techniques and apparatuses for guiding a pitcher's motionhave been described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,927,238 B2. This publication isincorporated herein by reference. Such apparatuses, however, areproblematic because they require the intermittent installation ofadditional parts to adjust the height of a guiding bar and there-assembly for use at multiple heights by individuals. Embodiments ofthe presently disclosed invention addresses such limitations, interalias, by providing an improved apparatus with an adjustable, rotationalslip connection to enable multitude heights for the sloped, guidingsurface of the apparatus without the addition or subtraction ofinterchangeable parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The presently disclosed invention may be embodied in various forms,including an apparatus, a kit or a method for training the mechanics ofoverhead throwing and for improving throwing motions and balancingabilities that are important in the process of throwing.

An embodiment of such a training apparatus for guiding overhead throwingmotions of a user may comprise a base member for supporting a risingmember. The base member may be mounted on a throwing surface. The majoraxis of the base member may be substantially perpendicular to the majoraxis of the rising member. The rising member may comprise a top end whensuch end is supported in a raise position by the base member. Anelongated member may be connected to the rising member. The elongatedmember may comprise an upper member, and the elongated member maycomprise a top end when such end is raised to be connected to the risingmember so that the elongated member may be sloped in relation to athrowing surface. A bottom end of the elongated member may be mounted onthe throwing surface. Accordingly, the elongated member may be slopeddownwards from the rising member towards the throwing surface. The topend of the elongated member may be connected to the top end of therising member. This connection may be the apex height of the trainingapparatus, and the height may be adjusted. The major axis of the risingmember may be adapted to pivot in relation to the major axis of theelongated member. A mechanical fastener may be adapted to lock thepivoting motion of the rising member in relation to the elongatedmember. The elongated member may be adapted to guide a path for the footof the user, who may be standing on the throwing surface adjacent to theapparatus.

In certain embodiments, a bottom end of the elongated member may beconnected to an end of an elongated bar. The opposite end of theelongated bar may be mounted on a throwing surface. When connected, theelongated member and the elongated bar may be adapted to guide the pathfor the foot of the user.

Accordingly, the elongated bar may comprise the lower member of theelongated section of the apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments.The base member and the rising member may comprise the support-risersection of the apparatus. In certain embodiments, an end of the basemember may be connected to a bottom end of the rising member. Thisconnection may be a slip joint connection. Similarly, the top end of theelongated member may be connected to the top end of the rising membervia a slip joint connection. In some embodiments, the base member may bea subsection or part of the rising member. The base member may bemounted on a throwing surface, and the rising member may be supportedabove of the throwing surface at varying angles.

In some embodiments, the elongated member may be elbow-shaped. Theelbow-bend may divide the elongated member into two sections, one havinga longer length and the other having a shorter length, respectively. Thelonger section may be sloped downwards towards a throwing surface. Theshorter section may comprise the top end of the elongated member that isconnected to the top end of the rising member. The shorter section maybe horizontal to the throwing surface, in accordance with certainembodiments.

In an embodiment, the mechanical fastener may be a locking pin. The topend of the elongated member may be connected to the top end of therising member via a slip joint connection. The top end of the elongatedmember and the top end of the rising member may have correspondingconnection holes. The locking pin may be adapted to slide through theconnection holes. The locking pin may be capable of locking the pivotingmotion of the rising member in relation to the elongated member bytraversing through the connection holes when aligned. In certainembodiments, the base member, the rising member, the elongated member,and the elongated bar are aluminum pipes.

With regard to the various embodiments of the above-disclosed apparatus,the described components or parts may be assembled on a throwing surfaceto provide an apparatus for guiding overhead throwing motions of a user.Such component parts may be provided via embodiments of the presentlydisclosed kit. The kit, having component parts capable of beingassembled on a throwing surface for providing an apparatus for guidingoverhead throwing motions of a user, may comprise the combination of abase member, a rising member, an elongated member, and mechanicalfasteners. A base member may be adapted to be connected to a risingmember. The major axis of the base member may be capable of beingsubstantially perpendicular to the major axis of the rising member. Anelongated member may have a top end which may be adapted to be connectedto a top end of the rising member. The major axis of the rising membermay be adapted to pivot in relation to the major axis of the elongatedmember. A mechanical fastener may be adapted to lock the pivoting motionof the rising member in relation to the elongated member. The elongatedmember may be adapted to guide a path for the foot of the user. The basemember, and a bottom end of the elongated member, may be adapted to bemounted on a throwing surface. In some embodiments, the component partsmay be capable of fitting into a standard sized baseball batting bag.

In certain embodiments, the kit may further comprise the combination ofan elongated bar having an end which may be adapted to connect to abottom end of the elongated member. The opposite end of the elongatedbar may be adapted to be mounted on the throwing surface. The connectedelongated member and the elongated bar may be adapted to guide the pathfor the foot of the user. In some embodiments, the elongated bar mayalso be capable of fitting into the standard sized baseball batting bagalong with the other component parts of the training apparatus.

In an embodiment of a method for using the above-disclosed apparatus forguiding overhead throwing motions of a user on a throwing surface, themethod may comprise the step of a user standing on the throwing surfaceadjacent to the apparatus. Such an apparatus may comprise a base memberfor supporting a rising member. The major axis of the base member may besubstantially perpendicular to the major axis of the rising member. Theapparatus may further comprise an elongated member having a top endwhich may be connected to a top end of the rising member. The major axisof the rising member may be adapted to pivot in relation to the majoraxis of the elongated member. The elongated member may be slopeddownwards from the rising member towards the throwing surface. Inaddition, the apparatus may comprise a mechanical fastener which may beadapted to lock the pivoting motion of the rising member in relation tothe elongated member. The top surface of the elongated member may be aguiding surface for a path for the foot of the user. Further, the methodmay comprise the step of a user lifting a leading foot from the throwingsurface to a contact point on the guiding surface of the apparatus. Themethod may comprise directing the leading foot along the guiding surfacetoward a bottom end of the elongated member, and lifting the leadingfoot from the guiding surface of the apparatus to a landing spot on thethrowing surface adjacent to the apparatus. In certain embodiments, themethod may comprise the step of adjusting the slope of the elongatedmember. The method may comprise removing the mechanical fastener,pivoting the rising member in relation to the elongated member, andreattaching the mechanical fastener to lock the pivoting motion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings,in which reference characters refer to the same parts throughout thevarious views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the trainingapparatus, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the training apparatus ina pre-assembled condition illustrating an adjustable support-risersection and an elongated section providing a substantially straightdownward slope, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 3(A)-3(C) includes perspective views of an embodiment of thetraining apparatus in use-ready condition illustrating an adjustablesupport-riser section and an elongated section providing a substantiallystraight downward slope, in accordance with certain embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 4(A)-4(C) includes side views of an embodiment of the trainingapparatus in use-ready condition illustrating an adjustablesupport-riser section and an elongated section providing a substantiallystraight downward slope, in accordance with certain embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 5 illustrates components of an embodiment of the training apparatusin a pre-assembled condition, in accordance with certain embodiments ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the presentlydisclosed invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

One objective of the present apparatus, kit and method may be anapplication in which multiple heights for the sloped guiding surface ofthe apparatus may be achieved through a continuously-assembled, curveddevice without the addition or subtraction of interchangeable parts. Theobject for certain embodiments may also concern such an applicationwhich provides for a reduction in manufacturing costs by removing thenumber of components needed to achieve multiple heights for the sloped,guiding surface of the presently disclosed apparatus. Additionally, thedesign and fabrication of components for certain embodiments may providethe benefit that each component will fit into a standard-sized battingbag when disassembled. For example, many batting bags that are currentlyavailable on the market have the following dimensions: 36″×14″×14″.

As such, an object of an embodiment of the present invention may includethe achievement of multiple heights of the guiding surface while beingless expensive to fabricate. Additional benefits of certain embodimentsmay include that the apparatus has improved reliability, structuralstrength, stability, and predictability of location of the guidingsurface. Certain embodiments may be easier to assemble, and adjustduring their use, as compared to existing solutions.

Embodiments may not be limited, however, to any one application, exampleor object. The embodiments may be applicable in virtually anyapplication in which an individual is learning and practicing his or herbalancing and throwing techniques. The embodiments of the presentlydisclosed apparatus, kit and method are well suited for implementationin the overhead throwing motion training for baseball pitchers,including children and adults, whether at the professional, amateur orrecreational level.

Prior solutions for devices used for training overhand throwing motionsfail to address the need for multiple heights for the sloped, guidingbar without the use of supplemental, interchangeable components. Priorapproaches rely on labor-intensive and expensive fabrication.

In contrast, an embodiment of the present invention may provide anadjustable, rotational/pivoting slip joint connection that is capable ofachieving multiple heights for the sloped, guiding surface without theuse of supplemental, interchangeable components. The interfaces of theconnection may be located between interlocking components such that thedisclosed apparatus fits into a standard-sized batting bag whendisassembled.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus may be a continuously-assembled,curved device that achieves multitude heights for the sloped, guidingsurface through an adjustable, rotational slip connection without theaddition or subtraction of interchangeable parts. The outside diameterof the sloped, guiding surface may be capable of accommodating cleatedshoes.

An advantage of an embodiment for the presently disclosed invention,which may be vertically adjusted by the rotational adjustment of theslip connection, may be appreciated when used in turn by multipleindividuals having varying heights. Certain embodiments provide for theadjustment of the height of the sloped, guiding surface without theintermittent installation of additional parts and the re-assembly ofparts. Baseball pitchers in leagues, whether professional or not, wouldbenefit from such improvements as individuals take turns using anembodiment during a practice session. Previous solutions inefficientlyaddressed altitude change by adjusting adding and subtracting componentsvertically.

Certain embodiments may include a single endpoint for the adjustablesection of the apparatus' framing. Prior devices that included framingwith an adjustable section which had multiple endpoints lackedreliability, structural strength, and stability.

Furthermore, while previous devices used welded connections betweenhorizontal and vertical members, an additional benefit for embodimentsof the presently disclosed invention may include the utilization of slipconnections that are located only on horizontal members of theapparatus. All of the slip connections in an embodiment may bepositioned transverse to the direction of motion of the user of theapparatus. Such embodiments do not allow movement of the guiding surfacein a direction transverse to the motion of the user.

As illustrated by the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the disclosed trainingapparatus 1 may be assembled and positioned on the ground or throwingsurface 2. As illustrated by the dotted boxes in the exploded view ofFIG. 2, training apparatus 1 may comprise a support-riser section 3 andan elongated section 4. The support-riser section 3 may comprise a basemember 5, which may rest on the ground or throwing surface 2 (notshown). The support-riser section 3 may comprise a rising member 6,which may stand orthogonal to, or at an angle to, the ground 2. Themajor axis of the elongated section 4 may run at an angle off of thehorizontal plane of the ground 2. The elongated section 4 may comprisean upper member 7, which may connect to top rising member 8 of thesupport-riser section 3, and a lower member 9, which may rest on theground 2. In such an embodiment, the elongated section 4 is the sloped,guiding surface of the apparatus which guides the path for the pitcher'sleading foot during overhand throwing.

As shown in FIGS. 3(A)-3(C) and FIGS. 4(A)-4(C), the base member 5 maybe operationally configured to stabilize the training apparatus 1 onvarious horizontal and/or sloped throwing surfaces 2 in order to supportthe elongated section 4 in operable sloped positions having varyingheights. The upper member 7 of the elongated section 4 may be raised andpositioned as desired in order to change the slope of elongated section4 with regard to the ground 2. Accordingly, the rising member 6 mayrotate in relation to the upper member 7. As shown in the embodiments ofFIGS. 4(A)-4(C), the end of the lower member 9 of the elongated section4 of the training apparatus 1 may rest on the ground or throwing surface2, resulting in an unobstructed downward slope along the elongatedsection 4. As further described below, the apex height of the trainingapparatus 1 may be raised further above the throwing surface 2, orlowered, in order to adjust to vary the slope of the guiding surface ofthe elongated section 4.

With reference to the embodiment depicted in the exploded view of FIG.2, the support-riser section 3 may be attached to the elongated section4 in order to establish an apex height of the training apparatus 1. Thesupport-riser section 3 may adjust in height above the throwing surface2 by rotating about the major axis of the top rising member 8 withrespect to the end of the upper member 7 of the elongated section 4. Themechanism of this rotational or pivoting motion may be a function of,but not limited to, a male-in-female slip joint connection, or any othercontemplated connection types intended to allow the vertical adjustmentof the upper member 7 for the elongated section 4. For example, the slipjoint connection may comprise a female end of a pipe or tube which slipsover the male end of another pipe or tube. The height adjustment ofsupport-riser section 3 may be accomplished in conjunction with thehorizontal adjustability of the elongated section 4 and/or the basemember 5. Because the rotation of top rising member 8 is made about themajor axis of the upper member 7, which is perpendicular to the lowermember 9 of the elongated section 4 and parallel to the ground 2, thetop end of the elongated section 4 may be restricted to a verticaladjustment.

Heights, individually suited for the user of the apparatus, for the toprising member 8 of the support-riser section 3 may be set and controlledby using a mechanical fastener 10, such as a locking pin. The mechanicalfastener 10 may lock the position of the top rising member 8 relative tothe position of the upper member 7. In certain embodiments, the end ofthe top rising member 8 may comprise a slip connection, which mayconnect to a corresponding slip connection at the end of the uppermember 7. Numerous connection holes 11 (see FIG. 5) may be located in acircumferential pattern on the slip connections of the top rising member8 and the upper member 7, such that the hole alignments between the slipconnections of the top rising member 8 and the upper member 7 may resultin various adjustable elevations in the top rising member 8 and theupper member 7 above the throwing surface 2 when secured by themechanical fastener 10. It will be apparent to one of skill in the artthat almost infinite variation is possible for the number, size and thepattern of connection holes 11. It is understood that the number, sizeand the pattern may vary without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

In an embodiment, the apparatus may comprise three components: the basemember 5, the support-riser member 3′, and the elongated member 4′. Incertain embodiments, the support-riser member 3′ may comprise a risingmember 6, and the elongated member 4′ may comprise an upper member 7.The support-riser member 3′ may comprise a u-shaped bar having a slipjoint connection on both ends of the support-riser member 3′. One end ofthe support-riser member 3′ would be connected to the base member 5,while the other end of the support-riser member 3′ would be connected tothe elongated member 4′. The elongated member 4′ may comprise anelbow-shaped bar having a long bar and a short bar. The long bar of theelongated member 4′ may comprise the sloped, guiding surface whichguides the path for the thrower's leading foot during overhand throwing.In certain embodiments, the short bar of the elongated member 4′ and thesupport-riser member 3′ may be adapted to connect in a manner, such as amale-in-female slip joint connection, that enables them to rotate orpivot in relation to one another. In addition, the base member 5 andsupport-riser member 3′ may be adapted to connect in a manner, such as amale-in-female slip joint connection, that enables them to rotate orpivot in relation to one another.

In another embodiment, the apparatus may comprise two components: thesupport-riser member 3″ and the elongated member 4″. In certainembodiments, the support-riser member 3″ may comprise a single memberthat corresponds to a base member 5 connected to a rising member 6, andthe elongated member 4″ may comprise an upper member 7. The elongatedmember 4″ may comprise an elbow-shaped bar having a long bar and a shortbar. The support-riser member 3″ may comprise a u-shaped bar having along bar and a short bar extending at its two ends. The short bar of thesupport-riser member 3″ may comprise a short bar which may be connectedto the short bar of the elongated member 4″. This connection may be aslip joint connection that enables a rotational or pivoting motionbetween the support-riser member 3″ and the elongated member 4″. Thelong bar of the support-riser member 3″ may be mounted on the throwingsurface 2, and it may rotate on the throwing surface 2, as the elongatedmember 4″ pivots in relation to the support-riser member 3″, and as theend of the long bar of the elongated member 4″ is repositioned on thethrowing surface 2. Alternatively, the long bar of the support-risermember 3″ may be repositioned on the throwing surface 2, as thesupport-riser member 3″ pivots in relation to the elongated member 4″,while the end of the long bar of the elongated member 4″ remains in itsoriginal positioned on the throwing surface 2.

In some embodiments, the lower end of the elongated member 4′ or 4″ mayconnect to another elongated member or bar in order to provide a longerguiding path for the thrower's leading foot. In certain embodiments, theelongated member 4′ or 4″ may be telescopic, wherein one section fitsinside of another section and may be expanded as desired.

The base member 5, support-riser member 3′, and elongated member 4′ maybe pipes or tubes. Such pipes may be plastic, such as PVC, or metal,such as aluminum. It is understood that the material for such pipes mayvary without departing from the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates components for an embodiment of the disclosedinvention. An embodiment of the presently disclosed kit may comprisesuch components for the training apparatus 1 in a pre-assembledcondition. The kit may comprise the base member 5, which may connect tothe rising member 6 via a male-in-female slip joint connection.Accordingly, the base member 5 may be substantially perpendicular to themain axis of the rising member 6 when the training apparatus 1 isassembled. The kit may comprise the upper member 7, which may connect tothe rising member 6 via a male-in-female slip joint connection. The kitmay also comprise a lower member 9, which may connect to the uppermember 7 via a male-in-female slip joint connection in order to providea longer guiding path for the thrower's leading foot. When the trainingapparatus 1 is use-ready condition, the rising member 6 may pivot inrelation to the upper member 7. One or more mechanical fasteners 10(such as locking pins 10 adapted for connection holes 11) may lock thepivoting motion of the rising member 6 in relation to the upper member7. When the components of the training apparatus 1 are assembled, theupper member 7 and the lower member 9 may guide a path for the foot ofthe user. When the components of the training apparatus 1 are in apre-assembled condition, the components may fit into a standard-sizedbaseball batting bag (not shown).

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to an embodiment thereof, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for guiding overhead throwingmotions of a user, comprising the steps of: a base member for supportinga rising member, the major axis of the base member being substantiallyperpendicular to the major axis of the rising member; an elongatedmember having a top end connected to a top end of the rising member,whereby the major axis of the rising member is adapted to pivot inrelation to the major axis of the elongated member; and, a mechanicalfastener adapted to lock the pivoting motion of the rising member inrelation to the elongated member, whereby the elongated member isadapted to guide a path for the foot of the user.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the base member is mounted on a throwing surface, andwherein a bottom end of the elongated member is mounted on the throwingsurface, and wherein the elongated member is sloped downwards from therising member towards the throwing surface.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein a bottom end of the elongated member is connected to an end ofan elongated bar, and wherein the opposite end of the elongated bar ismounted on a throwing surface, and wherein the connected elongatedmember and the elongated bar are adapted to guide the path for the footof the user.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an end of the basemember is connected to a bottom end of the rising member, and whereinthe connection is a slip joint connection.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the top end of the elongated member is connected to the top endof the rising member via a slip joint connection.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the base member is a subsection of the rising member,and wherein the base member is mounted on a throwing surface.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated member is elbow-shapedhaving a longer section and a shorter section, respectively; the longersection being sloped downwards towards a throwing surface; and, theshorter section comprising the top end of the elongated member that isconnected to the top end of the rising member.
 8. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the mechanical fastener is a locking pin, and wherein the topend of the elongated member is connected to the top end of the risingmember via a slip joint connection, and wherein the top end of theelongated member and the top end of the rising member have correspondingconnection holes, and wherein the locking pin is adapted to slidethrough the connection holes, and whereby the locking pin is capable oflocking the pivoting motion of the rising member in relation to theelongated member by traversing through the connection holes whenaligned.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base member, therising member, and the elongated member are aluminum pipes.
 10. A kithaving component parts capable of being assembled on a throwing surfacefor providing an apparatus for guiding overhead throwing motions of auser, the kit comprising the combination of: a base member adapted to beconnected to a rising member, whereby the major axis of the base memberis capable of being substantially perpendicular to the major axis of therising member; an elongated member having a top end adapted to beconnected to a top end of the rising member, whereby the major axis ofthe rising member is adapted to pivot in relation to the major axis ofthe elongated member; and, a mechanical fastener adapted to lock thepivoting motion of the rising member in relation to the elongatedmember, whereby the elongated member is adapted to guide a path for thefoot of the user.
 11. The kit of claim 1, further comprising thecombination of: an elongated bar having an end adapted to connect to abottom end of the elongated member, wherein the opposite end of theelongated bar is adapted to be mounted on the throwing surface, andwherein the connected elongated member and the elongated bar are adaptedto guide the path for the foot of the user.
 12. The kit of claim 10,wherein the component parts are capable of fitting into a standard sizedbaseball batting bag.
 13. A method for using an apparatus for guidingoverhead throwing motions of a user on a throwing surface, comprisingthe steps of: standing on the throwing surface adjacent to theapparatus, wherein the apparatus comprises: a) a base member forsupporting a rising member, the major axis of the base member beingsubstantially perpendicular to the major axis of the rising member; b)an elongated member having a top end connected to a top end of therising member, whereby the major axis of the rising member is adapted topivot in relation to the major axis of the elongated member, and whereinthe elongated member is sloped downwards from the rising member towardsthe throwing surface; and, c) a mechanical fastener adapted to lock thepivoting motion of the rising member in relation to the elongatedmember, wherein the top surface of the elongated member is a guidingsurface for a path for the foot of the user; lifting the leading footfrom the throwing surface to a contact point on the guiding surface ofthe apparatus; directing the leading foot along the guiding surfacetoward a bottom end of the elongated member; and, lifting the leadingfoot from the guiding surface of the apparatus to a landing spot on thethrowing surface adjacent to the apparatus.
 14. The method of claim 13,further comprising the step of: adjusting the slope of the elongatedmember by: removing the mechanical fastener, pivoting the rising memberin relation to the elongated member, and reattaching the mechanicalfastener to lock the pivoting motion.